1 Day in Herm Island: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Nestled in the English Channel and bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, idyllic Herm Island lies just 20 minutes by ferry from Guernsey, the second largest of the British Channel Islands.
At just 1 ½ miles long by ½ mile wide, the island of Herm punches well above its weight, with breathtakingly beautiful white sandy beaches offering superb water sports, puffin watching, scenic walks and some of the best seafood you’ll ever find.
I’ve been visiting Herm since I was six years old, and I’m still drawn back to this tiny haven. Let me show you why it’s such a great place to visit.
BEST HERM ISLAND HOTEL
No time to read the whole post? No worries! Hands down, the absolute best place to stay is the Herm Island White House Hotel!
GET IN THERE QUICKLY! It gets booked up insanely fast!!
At first glance, the island of Herm might seem like a small dot in the ocean that you could explore in just a few hours. And, of course, you could do exactly that, but you would be missing the point of Herm.
From the moment you step off the jaunty little ferry, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of daily life. Herm will cast her spell on you, and you’ll discover why so many visitors return to the island time after time – and why so many people choose to spend a week or more here.
It’s not just human visitors who love Herm. In 2016, the Ramsar Convention recognised the island for supporting a “rich diversity of flora and fauna”.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Herm or you would prefer a longer holiday, this travel guide will help you plan your trip to the island of Herm.
Grey Globetrotters Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my disclaimer for more information.
Best Things to Do on the Island of Herm
1. Visit the Incredible Beaches
Herm’s beautiful beaches are no more than a gentle stroll away from the ferry or the island’s accommodation. Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay are the best-known and busiest beaches on the island.
Some of Herm’s beaches are serene and quiet. Others offer an enticing variety of water sports, including paddle boarding, kayaking and diving.
Herm’s crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling in the shallows, and the rock pools teem with life when the tide goes out.
Herm’s East Coast Beaches
Shell Beach
This is the island’s most famous beach, yet it’s rarely crowded, even at high tide. The three-quarters of a mile stretch of golden “sand” is actually millions of tiny shells tumbled and washed up by the Gulf Stream!
At the beach café, you can find everything you need for a day in the sun, from salads and sandwiches to ice creams and drinks to suntan lotion and inflatable toys.
Belvoir Bay
Families love this small sun trap bay’s soft golden sand and safe turquoise waters. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling – even on windy days.
The café at Belvoir stocks all the refreshments and beach goods you’ll need for your beach day.
Herm’s West Coast Beaches
Fisherman’s Beach
Moments from the White House Hotel, the Mermaid Tavern and the gift shops, Fisherman’s Beach is perfect for visitors with less time to spend walking to the farthest beaches.
This scenic beach has soft sand, plenty of rock pools to explore, and perfect views of Guernsey and Rosaire Harbour.
Hotel Beach
This is the closest beach to The White House Hotel, yet visitors often overlook it in favour of the better-known beaches.
Secluded little Hotel Beach is an excellent spot for rock-pooling on a falling tide, and it has superb views of Guernsey and Jethou. Bliss!
Bears’ Beach
A lovely secluded beach for sun worshipers close to the harbour area, the White House Hotel, the Mermaid Tavern and the gift shops, yet many visitors to Herm overlook this little gem. With a natural rocky windbreak to the north, Bears’ Beach has uninterrupted views of Guernsey.
Oyster Point
Nothing beats this stunning part of the coastline for seclusion and tranquillity. You could easily spend the whole day in this sheltered spot with nothing but the sound of seagulls and the ocean.
If you love a good beach, check out the fantastic beaches in Jersey! You might be inspired to extend your trip to include a visit to Jersey!
2. Go Seal and Puffin Spotting
The British Channel Islands are havens for bird spotters, with over 200 migratory species to see. The colourful little puffins that breed throughout the Channel Islands from March to July are the cutest!
The puffin colonies are on inaccessible rocky outcrops, so the best way to see them is with a 2-hour puffin patrol by kayak from Outdoor Guernsey.
Check out this step-by-step guide on how to photograph puffins in the UK.
3. Watch Out For Seals on “The Humps”
There’s a colony of Atlantic seals to spot on the northern outcrop known as The Humps.
If you’re lucky, you might also see harbour porpoises and the three different types of dolphins that visit the Channel Islands frequently (Risso, bottlenose, and common).
4. Walk the Channel Islands Way Trail
The Channel Islands Way is a series of stunning coastal walks around the five largest British Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm).
Herm’s scenery is surprisingly varied, from flat sandy bays to tiny coves and steep, rugged cliffs.
The 3.9-mile walk around Herm should only take you a couple of hours, but there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view. Or the sea. Or the rich and creamy local ice cream made from Guernsey cows!
Here are some of the trails you could try out during your visit:
- Harbour to Shell Beach: 20 to 30 minutes
- Harbour to Belvoir Bay: 15 to 25 minutes
- Island Walk (cutting across the commons): 1 hour 45 minutes
- Shell Beach to Belvoir Bay: 15 to 25 minutes
5. Visit Le Hermetier Island
This tiny islet (“Rat’s Island”) is linked to Herm via a low causeway at low tide. About 250 metres off the Western Coast of Herm (between Fisherman’s Beach and Bear’s Beach), the islet becomes an island twice a day when the tide comes in and the causeway is submerged.
Top Tip: Visit on an outgoing tide to avoid the risk of getting stranded on Le Hermetier for many hours until the tide changes!
5. Explore Robert’s Cross
Excavated in 1841, this neolithic dolmen or burial chamber is located on the island’s north side between Le Petit Monceau and Le Grand Monceau.
The narrow entrance passage is at the eastern end of the dolmen, leading into a parallel-sided chamber almost 15 feet long.
6. See St Tugual’s Chapel and Garden
Herm’s only church is a tiny 11th-century non-denominational chapel in the island’s centre. You’ll find pretty stained glass windows and the loveliest, well-tended garden next to the chapel. It’s a serene little place to visit.
7. See the Tiny Herm Prison
The prison, located between the White House Hotel and the seafront, is the smallest in the world! With only one window in its thick granite wall and another in the door, the prison can only house one person.
8. Take a Herm Island Garden Tour
The award-winning coastal gardens on Herm burst with colour and structure. Herm’s mild, frost-free climate enables plants from around the world to grow on the island.
Top Tip: The best way to visit the gardens is on one of the two-hour gardener-led tours, which operate weekly, on Tuesdays from mid-April to mid-September. Buy your tickets at the Harbour Office 🙂
9. Browse the Herm Shop
Few people visit Herm to shop; however, the quaint little Herm Shop does a roaring trade in beachwear, souvenirs, and beach hats. It’s always busy with visitors buying sun cream to avoid the notorious “Herm burn”.
While the shop is small, it’s well stocked with popular brands, including Weird Fish, RipCurl, and Sea Ranch, and the store’s own (seriously cute) Puffin Bay range.
Where to Eat on Herm
Herm has plenty of places to eat for such a small island, whatever your taste and your budget. The Shell Beach Cafe and the Belvoir Bay kiosk serve homemade snacks, drinks, and the delicious local Herm Ice Cream
The Mermaid Tavern is THE place to meet and mingle over food and drinks, while the informal brasserie at the Ship Inn serves high quality food prepared in the kitchens of the White House Hotel
For something more refined, head for the White House Herm Hotel or the Conservatory Restaurant for mouth-watering local crab, lobster and oysters fresh from the fishing boats.
Tipping etiquette: Most places add 10-15% to the bill as a suggested tip.
If you love visiting quaint little islands with bags of character and history, glorious beaches, incredible scenery and fabulous food – you may also love visiting Alderney!
Where to Stay on Herm
Herm has a good mix of hotel, self-catering, and camping options, but these get booked early! Herm is a firm favourite of locals from the other Channel Islands and visitors from further afield.
📍 The ultimate hotel on Herm is the fabulous White House Hotel – especially if you splurge and book the luxurious Crow’s Nest suite (sometimes you have to splurge).
With no clocks, TVs or telephones in bedrooms, plus a beachside location and simply exquisite food, this is a real find and the perfect place to relax.
➡️ Check availability here for the White House Hotel Herm Island
📍 Seagull Campsite is located in an idyllic central spot, moments from the path to Belvoir Bay. With 19 quality frame tents for 6/8 people, this family campsite offers very comfortable camping.
➡️ Check prices and availability for camping at the Seagull Campsite.
Where is Herm?
Herm is located in the English Channel, 3 miles off the coast of Guernsey. The island is 80 miles south of England and 60 miles north of St Malo in France.
Things to Know Before Your Trip to Herm Island!
Forget the heels
You’ll spend your days rambling along the scenic footpaths with the wind in your hair, filling your camera with Instagram-worthy photos!
Take in the views across the bay to Guernsey with yachts scudding by and sea birds calling before stopping off for refreshments at the Island’s only pub, the Mermaid Tavern.
Bicycles are not allowed on Herm Island
You can’t take bikes on the ferry, but you might see a few locals zooming around on quad bikes.
Pack light
Herm isn’t “posh”. Its appeal lies in the natural environment, delicious food, and relaxation, surrounded by spectacular views.
The trusty little local ferries that chug back and forth from Guernsey’s St Peter Port to Herm aren’t geared up for passengers with huge bags, but you’ll probably see locals on the ferry stocked up for a picnic!
Don’t pack more than you can carry
There are no cars, porters or luggage trolleys on Herm, although there is a luggage tractor service for island guests.
Bring your bathers
Herm’s pocket-sized coastline has six glorious and quite different beaches.
The gently lapping turquoise water provides a welcome break from the sun’s rays, and you’ll be spoiled for a choice of water sports to try.
Top Tip: The sea is inviting and blue, but the peak temperature in July is around 17 degrees Celsius. Have a warm towel ready when you come out of the sea!
Pack sunscreen
Don’t let the gentle sea breeze fool you – the sun in the Channel Islands is intense, and you’ll need lashings of sun protection cream. The beach cafes are well stocked if you forget to bring yours.
When is The Best Time to Visit Herm?
This island is mainly a late spring to early autumn destination.
☀️Peak Season: The summer months of June, July, August and September are the best time to visit Herm. Days are warm and mostly dry, with temperatures in the mid to high 20s °C (or higher), which makes it ideal to enjoy life outdoors. Summer weekends and bank holidays are likely to be quite busy.
🌸Shoulder Season: Spring and autumn are milder, making it a great time for keen walkers and bird watchers to visit Herm.
How Many Days to Spend Visiting Herm
This island is small and compact, with all the tourist attractions within walking distance. While you can visit everything in a day – on a day trip from Guernsey – many people choose to stay longer to relax and unwind
Love visiting off-the-beaten-path locations? Book a RIB trip to Les Ecrehous, off the coast of Jersey, to see dolphins and seals in the stunning RAMSAR protected island reef.
How Do You Get to Herm Island?
There are no flights to the island of Herm, as it is too small to have an airport. You’ll need to fly to Guernsey or take a ferry, then board the Trident ferry to Herm from Guernsey’s St Peter Port Harbour (20 minutes).
Ferry Location: The Travel Trident ticket office is at the entrance to St Peter Port harbour (in Guernsey), and the boat departs from St Peter Port
Ferry Price (2022): Adults £15.00, children £7.00 and infants £1.50. The fare is reduced if you catch the day’s first boat and return on the same day.
Sailing Times vary throughout the year depending on peak times, daylight and tides.
Depending on the height of the tide, the ferry will either drop you off (and pick you up) from Herm Harbour or the Rosaire Steps.
Herm Harbour (high tide landing)
There are steps up from the ferry to the harbour. While there’s a handrail, the harbour is tidal, so you’ll need to take care as the steps can be wet and slippery. The number of steps varies with the height of the tide (from 1 to 7 steps).
Rosaire Steps in Herm (low tide landing)
There are 15+uneven old stone steps between the landing point and the ferry – and they can be slippery. Some steps are shallow, but some are quite high – although there is a handrail.
Top Tip: Pick up a FREE Herm Island map from the ferry before disembarking.
Herm FAQs
How Accessible is the Island of Herm?
Herm is beautiful; however, there are some things to consider before you book your trip:
The Central Paths
Some central paths are tarmac, others are sand, grass or unfinished, and some slopes vary from easy to steep, while the coastal paths are unsurfaced and uneven, with a mixture of slopes.
The Ferry
Find your comprehensive access guide to the ferry here.
What ferries go to Sark and Herm?
Ferry run to Sark from Jersey and Guernsey, and to Herm from Guernsey only. There is no ferry from Sark to Herm – you would need to travel via Guernsey.
Can you take a car to Herm Island?
No, the island is car free.
How long does it take to walk around Herm?
At a leisurely pace, it takes around 2 hours to walk around the island – if you don’t stop at any ot the beaches!
Do you need a passport for Herm?
There is no border between Herm and Guernsey, so you don’t need a passport to travel between the two islands.
You will need a passport to enter Guernsey from France, but not from the UK, as you will already have been through UK border control:)
Are dogs allowed on Herm?
Herm welcomes well-behaved dogs! All dogs must be kept on a lead for the ferry journey and in busy public places (well, busy by Herm standards!)
From the first of May until the 30th of September, dogs are not allowed on four beaches, but your four-legged friend can roam free on Bear’s Beach.
In the low season, Herm is perfect for dog lovers, as there’s plenty of dog-friendly accommodation, and dogs can run free on all the beaches.
Who Owns Herm?
At the time of the Battle of Hastings (1066), Herm and the other Channel Islands belonged to the Duchy of Normandy in France. When William the Conqueror became King William I of England, all of the Channel Islands became the property of the British Crown.
During World War II, German forces occupied all of the Channel Islands. After the war, Herm was in a very poor state.
The States of Guernsey recognised Herm as an “unspoilt island idyll that could be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike”, so they bought the island from the British Crown in 1949. Herm remains part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey today.
Does Anyone Live on Herm?
Herm has a population of about 65 permanent residents, including families with children. There’s a teeny primary school, with secondary schooling provided in Guernsey – children usually board with local families in Guernsey during the school week.
In the summer, Herm’s population expands, with around 100 seasonal workers moving to the island.
How big is Herm Island?
It’s a very small island! Just 1 ½ miles long by ½ mile wide with an area of 199 hectares. You can walk around the perimeter of the island (approx 3.9 miles) in about 2 hours.
Are cars allowed on the Island of Herm?
No cars or bicycles are allowed on the island, but there is a “tractor luggage service” to and from the harbour!
How long does the ferry take to get to Guernsey?
The Trident ferry takes 20 minutes to make the crossing from Herm to Guernsey.
Is there a pool at Herm Island White House Hotel?
Yes, the hotel has a very scenic outdoor pool.
How close is Herm Island White House Hotel to the airport?
The nearest airport to the hotel is in Guernsey. After arrival in Guernsey, you will need to transfer to St Peter Port harbour for the short ferry crossing to the island of Herm.
Fun Facts About Herm
- According to local legend, the Rosaire Steps were once the site for a mermaid market!
- When occupying the island during WWII, German soldiers used Herm’s beaches to practise landing from barges as part of their plans to invade mainland Britain. They shot a propaganda film on Herm called “The Invasion of the Isle of Wight“!
- The Herm Island CEO is from Yorkshire!
- Granite from Herm is used for the maintenance of London Bridge!
Wrap Up – Herm Travel Guide
So there you have my complete guide to visiting the gorgeous little island of Herm. It’s one of the quirkiest and most stunning of the British Isles with incredible unspoilt beaches that will cast its spell over you from the moment you arrive!
We absolutely love exploring this cute little island and hope our travel guide has given you plenty of inspiration for things to do in and around Herm.
Thinking of a trip to the Channel Islands? You may find these posts useful for planning your visit:
- Where to go: Best Things to Do in Jersey & Best Reasons to Visit Jersey & Jersey vs Guernsey – Which Island to Visit
- Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Jersey With Indoor Pools
- What to buy: The Best Souvenirs From Jersey
- Off The Beaten Path: Hidden Gems in Jersey
- Jersey Attractions: Les Ecrehous, Seymour Tower, Jersey Castles, La Corbiere Lighthouse, The Devil’s Hole & Jersey War Tunnels
- Jersey History: Jersey Heritage Pass
- Seasonal Travel: Best Things to Do in Jersey in the Winter
- Tourist Information: Is Jersey Part of the UK & Currency in Jersey
- Nearby: Things To Do In Alderney
READ ALSO: How to Get To Jersey From London & Traditional Jersey Food
If you enjoyed this post, why not bookmark it and share it with your friends? If you’re on Pinterest, you can Pin these images!
